Stephen p



(No Model.)

S. P. WILLIAMS.

STEP. No 448,566. Patented Mar. 17, 1891.

WEI/mews s Inventor:

PETERS co maro-umo, wlsmmimn, u. c.

UNrrED STATES STEPHEN P. VILLIAMS,

PATENT Ui rio.

on GALLOWAY, TEXAS.

STEP.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 448,566, dated. March 17, 1891.

Application filed June 13, 1890. I Serial No. 855,345. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, STEPHEN P. WILLIAMs, of Galloway, in the county of Upshur and State of Texas, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Steps; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it pertains to make and use it, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification.

My invention relates to an improvement in steps; and it consists in a metallic frame or support composed of a series of light metallic plates, which are suitably shaped to adapt them for the purpose and then clamped and braced together, as will be more fully described hereinafter.

The object of my invention is to provide a metallic frame-work to be used in building stairs and steps, and which frame-work is adapted to be taken apart and packed into a very small space for transportation.

Figure lis a side elevation of a frame-work which embodies my invention. Fig. 2 is a rear view. Fig. 3 is a front view. Fig. lisa plan view with the step removed.

A. represents two horizontal plates of suitable length and width and which are clamped together at their upper and lower corners by the bolts B. These plates A are separated at their ends by the plates 0, which. extend vertically along the inner sides of the boards D, which close the spaces between the steps F. The ends of these plates 0 are slightly reduced in width, and the hooks or catches G are formed thereon so as to catch over the corners 11 upon the plates A, and so as to extend down between the ends of the plates A, as shown. The lower ends of the plates C are provided with slots, so as to receive the upper edge of the brace-plate I, and are bent around so as to catch under the clamping-bolts B, which serve to unite the ends of the plates A and C. The upper ends of the plates 0 are also slightly reduced in width, so as to extend between the front ends of the plates A, and these upper ends are turned outward, so as to project between the under side of the steps F and the tops of the boards D, as shown at J. Through receive clamping-nuts.

this projecting edge J is formed a recess, in which the hooked end of the clamping-bolt L catches. The frontends of the plates A are provided with shoulders N, which catch over the corners on the plates 0, and then the parts are clamped rigidly together by the bolts 13. By means of the shoulders Non the plate A the front ends of the platesAare supported in position, and the parts are fastened more securely together than could have been if the shoulders were not used.

Through the plates 0 and the boards D a suitable clamping-bolt O is passed for the purpose of securing these parts rigidly in position. The brace-plate I extends diagonally down along the corners where the plates A and O are bolted together, and thus strengthens, braces, and supports the parts at the points where they most need it. The upper end of this brace I rests against the side of the building to which the steps are applied, while the lower ends rest upon the ground.

In order to clamp the parts rigidly together the bolts L are used. These bolts extend across the tops of the steps F, and in order to be out of the way as much as possible they are recessed in grooves, which are made in the steps to receive them. The front ends of the bolts are hooked so as to extend down over the front edge of the step and to catch under the upper turned-out end of the plate 0, as shown. The rear ends of the bolts pass through the boards D and the. plates (0 and 7 These bolts prevent any possible displacement of the steps F at the same time that the plates 0 are clamped rigidly together above the top of the plates A.

By means of the construction here shown and described a cheap, strong, and durable frame-work is produced, which is adapted to be taken apart and packed into a very small space for transportation. Three or more plates may be used, according to the length of the steps and strength required. The steps can be made of wood or iron. If iron is used, they must have grooves cast or formed in their tops to receive the clamping-bolts.

Having thus described my invention, I clai1n- 1. A framework for steps and stairs composed of the vertical plates t, the horizontal l diagonal hmee l, the steps 1, the boards l), plates A, the elan'iping-holts I3, and the (ling anti the clamping-rods L, substantially as set onal brace L substantially 218 shown. forth.

2. The combination of the horizon tnl plates In testiznon; whereof I attix inysignntnre in 5 A, the vertical plates C, the clamping-bolts l i presence of two WitllCSSOS.

and tie dizwonztl brace Iwith the stem Fund w t w 7 v J t the boards I Substantially as (lQSOI'l DOti. l 51 Lpnhx I ILLIAMN 3. The combination of the horizontal plates Witnesses: A, the vertical plates C, having their upper T. E. HARNWELL, 1o ends turned outward, clamping-bolts ll, the It. A. MONCRTEF. 

